Because it's a holy God that you're up against.

nothing against him

I read this blog post a few days ago at prayforian.com.
Ian lives with a brain injury. Larissa is his wife.
Their marriage is a beautiful picture of Christ and the church.
This post specifically has been such a blessing to me the past few days.
I just don't want to forget what he said.
Our sin is first and foremost against a Holy God. such a good reminder.

Christmas.

A very long journey. A very big belly. A dark night. A whole lot of pain. I try to think back to Mary. I've been studying Luke, and almost everyday I go back to Luke 1:38 where Mary says, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word" when she first heard that she was with child,  and I pray that my response to the Lord everyday would be those words. How beautifully the Lord gave us His Son who came to serve and to save. Thankful is what I am today. Thankful that every sin that I have ever committed/will commit has been taken away by this little baby. I can't wrap my mind around it. God, in the form of an infant. But, this year has been so different as I reflect on that night when my Savior was born. How God saw that this was absolutely the best way for Him to receive the very most glory. The virgin birth. The star. The angels. The shepherds. From this day, so many years ago, until his death on a cross, He will live a absolutely perfect life...an unfathomable "task." I praise the Lord for this perfect propitiation. I am thankful this was never "plan B." The Lord is good and full of mercy. His grace abounds. The KING is born! May He send His Son again soon! Glory to God in the highest.

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:17

Merry Christmas!

SovHope Fall Family Bonfire (1st Annual)

I love that everything we do at Sovhope we name "1st annual"...starting now things will start being 2nd annuals! wowzers. This event was the same as all the others. SO.much.fun. We were all freezing. I was impressed by the commitment of everyone to risk pneumonia for fellowship. :) 

It was a fabulous night, and btw, I never heard of any sicknesses that immediately followed :)

 I love these 6. I walked around saying "group and smile" and these folks did just that! :)

 I am convinced that men have absolutely no idea how to take a picture together!

 Jen and her caramel for the kids! They loved making caramel apples!

 The guys love this game. I usually try to join in like I am coordinated enough...

 Court was cold. So I made her into a marshmallow. 

I didn't crop out Jesse on purpose. look at that frisbee form! 

 three more men...all spaced out and such. 

 just boomoo. 

 The Moore Fam! Is this family cute or what!? 

 Children of the field.

 Fire control! Mr. Thom manned this fire all night. Smoky the bear would have been so proud!

 The ladies enjoyed the "group and smile" moment! 

Tiff said it looks like she has to tee-tee. It kinda does. :) 

 Corn hole! 

 Andrea and Logan. His facial expressions crack.me.up.

And I saved the cutest little AJ in town for last! This boy and his mama bear are so sweet. 

I love my church! 

www.sovhope.org